Day 74: Sisters, OR to McKenzie Bridge, OR (42.8 miles)
Woke up to a chilly 45 degrees, and got on the road by 7:15am. Right out of Sisters we started a gradual (2-3%) ascent toward McKenzie Pass. Fifteen miles later, we reached the peak at 5,325 ft. Prior to the top we came to Windy Point, a lava field with views of Mt Washington, Mt Jefferson, and the Cascade Range.
The Observatory at the top was a good stop. I met Patrick and his wife, two motorcyclists from Seattle on a day trip. He called me “his new best friend”. The 25+ mile descent was so much fun, shady, and winding, and long; the best descent of the whole trip. On the way down, we passed the three sisters viewpoint and lots of pine trees. Our destination for the night was McKenzie Bridge Campground, right on the McKenzie River. The water was cold, but the trout were cooperative. Fishing with an Adams and Tan Caddis, I caught 14 trout, which was a great time!
Image above: I made it to the top of McKenzie Pass.
View from Windy Point
Bruce near the top
Patrick, my new best friend, a motorcyclist from Seattle
Observatory at the top of McKenzie Pass
McKenzie River
View from the campsite
McKenzie River Rainbow
My temporary home on the McKenzie River for the night
Three Sisters Viewpoint - only 2 are visible
